Black Triggerfish

The Black Triggerfish (Melichthys niger) At first glance underwater this fish appears to be pure black bodied with two thin white lines running along the dorsal and anal fins. A closer inspection will allow you to witness the true colours of this fish. The whole fish is covered in dark zig-zags than sit on a dark green body, above the eyes blue lines can be seen with a orange patch below the eyes on the cheeks.

They can be found in large schools feeding on reefs with other species.

This fish has been recorded to be one of the rare species of sea fishes that can hybridise. At Christmas Island Crosses have been observed between Black Triggerfish (Melichthys niger) and Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys vidua)

Size: 50 cm in length maximum

Diet: Algae, phytoplankton & zooplankton